Composite bead plate and an air spring using the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses an air spring comprising a piston, a top plate, a clamp ring, a snap ring, and a flexible member which is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber, wherein the snap ring is affixed to the clamp ring, wherein the clamp ring affixes an upper portion of the flexible member to the top plate, wherein the clamp ring affixes the snap ring to the top plate, and wherein the top plate is affixed between the snap ring and the flexible member.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/200,150, filed Mar. 7, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,388,876, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/774,707, filed on Mar. 8, 2013, the entirety of each of which ishereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of air springs. More specificallythis invention relates to air springs for use in corrosive environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Air springs have been used as a component of a wide variety of motorvehicles and various other machines and equipment for many years. Theyare utilized to provide cushioning between movable parts and areprimarily employed to absorb shock loads imparted thereon. A typical airspring consists of at least one flexible elastomeric reinforced sleeveextending between a pair of retainers, forming a pressurized chambertherein. The sleeve typically has a relatively inextensible bead core ateach end for securing the sleeve to the retainers. Alternatively, thesleeve may be secured to the retainers by conventional crimping means.There may be one or more pistons associated with the air spring. Thefluid in the pressurized chamber, generally air, absorbs most of theshock impressed upon or experienced by one of retainers. The retainersmove towards and away from each other when the air spring is subjectedto forces.

Both upper and lower retainers are conventionally formed of stampedmetal. If the air spring has a piston, the piston, upon which the lowerretainer is secured, may be metal or thermoplastic. A bumper, mounted oneither retainer and provided for impact absorption and transference, isusually thermoplastic or thermoelastic, depending upon the forces whichwill ultimately be acting on the air spring and the forces to which thebumper will be subjected.

State of the art air springs utilize a steel bead plate which is rolledinwardly to securely affix a flexible member and ensure that there is anair tight seal between the steel bead plate and the flexible member.Because air springs are often used in corrosive environments, the steelbead plate is commonly coated with zinc, paint or some other coating toprovide some degree of resistance to corrosion. During the rollingprocess to join the steel bead plate to the flexible member, the coatingis often compromised or destroyed which leads to reduced effectivenessof the coating.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,784,376 discloses an improved air spring including: apair of end members adapted to be mounted at spaced locations; aflexible sleeve formed of an elastomeric material containing reinforcingcords and having open ends sealingly engaged with the end membersforming a pressurized fluid chamber therebetween; one of said endmembers having an end cap extending within one of the open ends of thesleeve and a clamp ring extending about said one sleeve end in clampedengagement with said end cap compressing the sleeve materialtherebetween; and an annular curved axially extending projection formedon a mating surface of the clamp ring extending into a concave recessformed in a mating surface of the end cap placing the sleeve incompression shear throughout radially spaced annular areas on oppositesides of said projection, and an intervening area within said recessbetween said annular compressive shear areas having a greater separationthan the thickness of the sleeve material to permit the sleeve materialto expand therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,926,264 discloses an air spring for absorbing andtransmitting shock loads between parts moveable relative to one another,the air spring comprising a flexible cylindrical sleeve which is securedat each end to form a fluid chamber therein, a piston, the sleeve beingsecured at one end to a retainer and being secured at the opposing endby the piston, the air spring being characterized by: the retainer beingintegrally formed with an intermediate ribbed reinforcement structure tostrengthen the retainer, allowing for direct mounting of the air springto one of the moveable parts, the intermediate ribbed reinforcementstructure of the retainer comprising an outer plate and an inner platewhich are parallel to each other, and a plurality of ribs that extendbetween the outer plate and the inner plate.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,681,868 discloses an air spring comprising: a roll-offpiston; a rolling-lobe flexible member made of rubber or elastomericmaterial; said rolling-lobe flexible member having a first opening lyingopposite said roll-off piston and a second opening assigned to saidroll-off piston; an attachment part configured as a head plate; saidattachment part being made of thermoplastic or thermoset plastic andhaving air connection means formed integrally therewith; said attachmentpart having an outer rim and a conical region also formed integrallytherewith; said outer rim and conical region facing toward saidrolling-lobe flexible member; said attachment part defining avulcanization region extending from the side of said rim facing towardsaid rolling-lobe flexible member into said conical region; and, saidrolling-lobe flexible member being tightly vulcanized to said attachmentpart in said vulcanization region at said first opening while saidrolling-lobe flexible member is seated in said vulcanization region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an air spring comprising a piston, a topplate, a clamp ring, a snap ring, and a flexible member which is affixedto the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the top plate andthe flexible member define a pressurizable chamber, wherein the snapring is affixed to the clamp ring, wherein the clamp ring affixes anupper portion of the flexible member to the top plate, wherein the clampring affixes the snap ring to the top plate, and wherein the top plateis affixed between the snap ring and the flexible member.

The present invention more specifically discloses an air springcomprising a piston, a top plate, a clamp ring, and a flexible memberwhich is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston,the top plate and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber,wherein the clamp ring is affixed to an upper portion of the flexiblemember and holds the flexible member in air-tight contact with the topplate, wherein a portion of the clamp ring is deformed over the top ofthe top plate to hold the flexible member in permanent air-tight contactwith the top member, and wherein the top plate is affixed between theupper portion of the flexible member and the deformed portion of theclamp ring.

The present invention still further discloses an air spring comprising apiston, a top plate, a clamp ring, and a flexible member, wherein theflexible member is affixed to the piston and the top plate to define apressurizable chamber, wherein the clamp ring is affixed to an upperportion of the flexible member and to the top plate to hold the flexiblemember in air-tight contact with the top member, wherein clamp ringcomprises a plurality of flexible fingers, and wherein the top plate isaffixed between the upper portion of the flexible member and theplurality of flexible fingers.

The present invention further discloses an air spring comprising apiston, a top plate, a clamp ring, a retaining ring, and a flexiblemember, wherein the flexible member is affixed to the piston and the topplate, wherein the piston, the top plate, and the flexible member definea pressurizable chamber, wherein the clamp ring is affixed to an upperportion of the flexible member, wherein the clamp ring comprises aplurality of clamp ring fingers, wherein the top plate comprises aplurality of top plate fingers, wherein the clamp ring fingersinterleave with the top plate fingers, wherein the clamp ring fingersand top plate fingers jointly form a channel which is adapted toaccommodate the retaining ring, and wherein relative position betweenthe clamp ring and the top plate is substantially fixed by the retainingring.

The present invention still further discloses an air spring comprising apiston, a top plate, a clamp ring, a retaining ring, and a flexiblemember which is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein thepiston, the top plate, and the flexible member define a pressurizablechamber, wherein the clamp ring is affixed to an upper portion of theflexible member, wherein the clamp ring comprises a clamp labyrinth,wherein the top plate comprises a top plate labyrinth, wherein the clampring labyrinth meshes with the top plate labyrinth, and wherein theclamp ring labyrinth is fused to the top plate labyrinth.

The present invention further discloses an air spring comprising apiston, a top plate, an external snap ring, and a flexible member whichis affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston, the topplate, and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber, whereinthe top plate is affixed to the external snap ring, and wherein theflexible member is affixed between the external snap ring and the topplate.

The present invention still further discloses an air spring comprising apiston, a top plate, an upper retaining ring, and a flexible memberwhich is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the piston,the top plate, and the flexible member define a pressurizable chamber,wherein the top plate includes a retaining ring channel, wherein theupper retaining ring includes a mounting wall which fits at leastpartially within the retaining ring channel, wherein the flexible memberis nested in between the upper retaining ring and the top plate, andwherein the mounting wall is nested within the retaining ring channel.

In the various air spring designs of the present invention the top platewill typically be comprised of a polymeric material, such as a fiberfilled composite composition. For instance, the polymeric material canbe a fiber filled polyamide, such as a fiber filled nylon-6, nylon-11,nylon-12, nylon-6,6, nylon-4,6, nylon-6,10, and nylon-6,12. The fiberutilized in these composite materials is typically a glass fiber. In onepreferred embodiment of the subject invention, the clamp ring is alsocomprised of a polymeric material which can be the same or differentfrom the material from which is top plate is comprised.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art air spring.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention which utilizes a clamp ring and a snapring.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention which utilizes a clamp ring which isdeformed over the top of a top plate.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention utilizing a clamp ring including aplurality of flexible fingers.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an air spring in accordance withthis invention utilizing a clamp ring including a plurality of flexiblefingers and a locking ring.

FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention utilizing a clamp ring and top platewhich include interleaving fingers forming a channel.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a snap ring of one embodiment of thisinvention inserted into a channel formed by interleaving fingers of aclamp ring and a top plate.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention utilizing a clamp ring with a labyrinth.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention utilizing an external snap ring.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention utilizing an external snap ring whichmounts flush to the top plate of the air spring.

FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an air spring inaccordance with this invention utilizing an upper retaining ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a conventional state of the art airspring 1. The conventional state of the art air spring 1 includes asteel bead plate 9, a flexible member 3, and a piston 4. The flexiblemember includes an upper portion of the flexible member 10 which extendsfrom the upper end of the flexible member 12 to no more than 25% alongthe length of the flexible member 3 from the upper end of the flexiblemember 12 to the lower end of the flexible member 13. The upper portionof the flexible member 10 is adapted to be affixed to the steel beadplate 9 to create an air tight seal. The flexible member 3 also includesa lower portion of the flexible member 11 which extends from the lowerend of the flexible member 13 to no more than 25% along the length ofthe flexible member 3 from the lower end of the flexible member 13 tothe upper end of the flexible member 12. The lower portion of theflexible member 11 is adapted to be affixed to the piston 4 to create anair tight seal. The lower portion of the flexible member 11 may besecured in any conventional manner, including, but not limited to,crimping the lower portion of the flexible member 11 to the piston 4 orto a conventional lower retainer or by securing a lower bead core by alower retainer. An internal bumper may be provided for absorbing impactforces.

The steel bead plate 9, the flexible member 3, and the piston 4 define apressurizable chamber 14. The pressurizable chamber 14 is generallyfilled with a gas, such as air or nitrogen, to a pressure greater thanatmospheric pressure. The gas is usually air for economic reasons.However, the pressurizable chamber can optionally be filled with aninert gas, such as nitrogen to help protect the flexible member (arubber component) from degradation caused by oxygen or ozone. The steelbead plate 9 is attached to either a fixed or movable component and thepiston 4 is attached to a corresponding fixed or movable component sothat loads tending to move the steel bead plate 9 and the piston 4towards each other will be counteracted by the pressure within thepressurizable chamber 14.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment ofthe invention includes a top plate 2, a clamp ring 5, and a snap ring 6.This embodiment also includes the flexible member 3 and the piston 4 aswas used in the conventional state of the art air spring 1. The clampring 5 is adapted to fit around the outer diameter of the top plate 2.The clamp ring includes a compression hook 15 which is adapted tocompress the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against the topplate 2 when the three components are assembled together. Thecompression of the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against thetop plate 2 creates an air tight seal.

The clamp ring 5 includes a snap ring groove 16 which is adapted toaccommodate a snap ring 6. The snap ring 6 is adapted to fit partiallywithin the snap ring groove 16. The top plate 2 and the upper portion ofthe flexible member 10 are affixed between the snap ring 6 and thecompression hook 15. The upper portion of the flexible member 10 mayoptionally include a retention bead 7. The retention bead 7 improves theretention of the upper portion of the flexible member 10 in positionbetween the top plate 2 and the compression hook 15. The retention bead7 may consist of steel, polymeric fibers, or any other material whichhas a greater modulus of elasticity than the material used for theflexible member 3. The flexible member 3 is preferably comprised of atleast 3 plies: an outer elastomeric ply 54, at least one reinforcing ply50 formed of elastomeric embedded reinforcing cords, and an innerelastomeric ply 53.

Assembly of the internal snap ring air spring 17 of this embodiment ofthe invention is accomplished by positioning the upper portion of theflexible member 10 over the compression hook 15. The top plate 2 is thenpositioned over the upper portion of the flexible member 10. The topplate 2 can then be pressed toward the compression hook 15 to compressthe upper portion of the flexible member 10 thereby exposing the snapring groove 16. The snap ring 6 can then be positioned into the snapring groove 16. The snap ring 6 retains the top plate 2 in a positionthat compresses the upper portion of the flexible member 10 between thetop plate 2 and the compression hook 15.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment of the invention includes a top plate 2 and a clamp ring 5.This embodiment also includes the flexible member 3 and the piston 4 aswere used in the conventional state of the art air spring 1. The clampring 5 is adapted to fit around the outer diameter of the top plate 2.The clamp ring includes a compression hook 15 which is adapted tocompress the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against the topplate 2 when the three components are assembled together. Thecompression of the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against thetop plate 2 creates an air tight seal.

The clamp ring 5 includes a deformable rib 19. The deformable rib 19 isdeformed during the assembly process to create the deformed rib 20. Thetop plate 2 and the upper portion of the flexible member 10 are affixedbetween the deformed rib 20 and the compression hook 15. The upperportion of the flexible member 10 may optionally include a retentionbead 7. The retention bead 7 improves the retention of the upper portionof the flexible member 10 in position between the top plate 2 and thecompression hook 15. The retention bead 7 may consist of steel,polymeric fibers, or any other material which has a greater modulus ofelasticity than the material used for the flexible member 3.

Assembly of the deformed ring air spring 18 of this embodiment of theinvention is accomplished by positioning the upper portion of theflexible member 10 over the compression hook 15. The top plate 2 is thenpositioned over the upper portion of the flexible member 10. The topplate 2 can then be pressed toward the compression hook 15 to compressthe upper portion of the flexible member 10. The deformable rib 19 maythen be deformed to create the deformed rib 20. The deformable rib 19will generally be deformed through a mechanical process. The mechanicalprocess may include rolling, compression, staking or any other meansknown in the art. The deformable rib 19 may also be heated to anelevated temperature to assist the mechanical process of deforming it.The heating of the deformable rib 19 may be from an external heatsource, such as a gas flame or an electrical heater, or the heating canbe done with a tool used in the mechanical process. In anotherembodiment of the invention the heating can be done by electricalinduction. In any case, the deformed rib 20 retains the top plate 2 in aposition that compresses the upper portion of the flexible member 10between the top plate 2 and the compression hook 15.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment of the invention includes a top plate 2 and a clamp ring 5.This embodiment also includes the flexible member 3 and the piston 4 aswere used in the conventional state of the art air spring 1. The clampring 5 is adapted to fit around the outer diameter of the top plate 2.The clamp ring includes a compression hook 15 which is adapted tocompress the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against the topplate 2 when the three components are assembled together. Thecompression of the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against thetop plate 2 creates an air tight seal.

Assembly of the external finger air spring 21 of this embodiment of theinvention is accomplished by positioning the upper portion of theflexible member 10 over the compression hook 15. The top plate 2 is thenpositioned over the upper portion of the flexible member 10. The topplate 2 can then be pressed toward the compression hook 15 to compressthe upper portion of the flexible member 10. The clamp ring has aplurality of flexible fingers 23 extending from the ring in a directionsubstantially parallel to the center axis of the clamp ring 5. Theplurality of flexible fingers 23 expand around the outer circumferenceof the top plate 2 as the top plate is pressed past the plurality offlexible fingers 23. The plurality of flexible fingers 23 lock onto thetop surface of the top plate 2 through locking flats 22. The pluralityof flexible fingers 23 retain the top plate 2 in a position thatcompresses the upper portion of the flexible member 10 between the topplate 2 and the compression hook 15.

The top plate 2 and the upper portion of the flexible member 10 areaffixed between the locking flats 22 and the compression hook 15. Theupper portion of the flexible member 10 may optionally include aretention bead 7. The retention bead 7 improves the retention of theupper portion of the flexible member 10 in position between the topplate 2 and the compression hook 15. The retention bead 7 may consist ofsteel, polymeric fibers, or any other material which has a greatermodulus of elasticity than the material used for the flexible member 3.

The top plate 2 will include a finger receiving ledge 57 and mayoptionally include a plurality of finger receiving ports 26. Theplurality of finger receiving ports 26 are adapted to interact with theplurality of flexible fingers 23 on the clamp ring 5. The plurality offlexible fingers 23 lock onto the plurality of finger receiving portsthrough locking flats 22. The plurality of locking flats 22 areseparated by a plurality of ribs 24. The plurality of ribs 24 providenot only additional structural support, but also provide ananti-rotation feature to prevent rotation of the clamp ring 5 relativeto the top plate 2.

The external finger air spring 21 may also optionally include a lockingring 25 that is affixed around the plurality of flexible fingers 23. Thelocking ring 25 is positioned in such a manner that the locking ring 25restrains movement of the plurality of flexible fingers 23 away from theouter circumference of the top plate 2. Because the locking ring 25restrains displacement of the plurality of flexible fingers 23, theexternal finger air spring 21 can withstand much higher forces beforethe clamp ring 5 becomes unattached from the top plate 2 when utilizingthe locking ring 25 than it can withstand without the locking ring 25.

FIGS. 6 and 7 shows still another embodiment of the present invention.This embodiment of the invention includes a top plate 2, a clamp ring 5and a retaining ring 28. This embodiment also includes the flexiblemember 3 and the piston 4 as were used in the conventional state of theart air spring 1. The clamp ring 5 includes a plurality of clamp ringfingers 29 which are adapted to interleave with top plate fingers 30which extend from the outer circumference of the top plate 2. When theclamp ring fingers 29 interleave with the top plate fingers 30, theyjointly form a channel 31 which is adapted to accommodate the retainingring 28. The clamp ring includes a compression hook 15 which is adaptedto compress the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against the topplate 2 when the three components are assembled together. Thecompression of the upper portion of the flexible member 10 against thetop plate 2 creates an air tight seal.

The upper portion of the flexible member 10 is affixed between the topplate 2 and the compression hook 15. The upper portion of the flexiblemember 10 may optionally include a retention bead 7. The retention bead7 improves the retention of the upper portion of the flexible member 10in position between the top plate 2 and the compression hook 15. Theretention bead 7 may consist of steel, polymeric fibers, or any othermaterial which has a greater modulus of elasticity than the materialused for the flexible member 3.

Assembly of the interleaved finger air spring 27 of this embodiment ofthe invention is accomplished by positioning the upper portion of theflexible member 10 over the compression hook 15. The top plate 2 is thenpositioned over the upper portion of the flexible member 10, angularlypositioned so that the clamp ring fingers 29 and the top plate fingers30 are aligned in such a manner that they can pass between one another.The top plate 2 can then be pressed toward the compression hook 15 tocompress the upper portion of the flexible member 10. The top plate canbe pressed to a point where the interleaving clamp ring fingers 29 andtop plate fingers 30 form a channel 31 of sufficient width toaccommodate the retaining ring 28. The retaining ring 28 can then beplaced within the channel 31 which restrains movement of the clamp ring5 relative to the top plate 2 in the direction parallel with the centeraxis of the clamp ring 5 and the top plate 2. The clamp ring fingers 29and top plate fingers 30 also prevent relative angular rotation betweenthe clamp ring 5 and the top plate 2.

FIG. 8 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment of the invention includes a top plate 2 and a clamp ring 5.This embodiment also includes the flexible member 3 and the piston 4 aswere used in the conventional state of the art air spring 1. The clampring 5 includes a clamp ring labyrinth 33 which is adapted to intermeshwith a top plate labyrinth 34 of the top plate 2. The clamp ringincludes a compression hook 15 which is adapted to compress the upperportion of the flexible member 10 against the top plate 2 when the threecomponents are assembled together. The compression of the upper portionof the flexible member 10 against the top plate 2 creates an air tightseal.

The upper portion of the flexible member 10 is affixed between the topplate 2 and the compression hook 15. The upper portion of the flexiblemember 10 may optionally include a retention bead 7. The retention bead7 improves the retention of the upper portion of the flexible member 10in position between the top plate 2 and the compression hook 15. Theretention bead 7 may consist of steel, polymeric fibers, or any othermaterial which has a greater modulus of elasticity than the materialused for the flexible member 3.

Assembly of the labyrinth air spring 32 of this embodiment of theinvention is accomplished by fusing the clamp ring labyrinth 33 to thetop plate labyrinth 34, such as by use of an adhesive. The upper portionof the flexible member 10 is positioned over the compression hook 15.Alternatively the first two steps of the assembly process may beinterchanged. The top plate 2 is then positioned over the upper portionof the flexible member 10 so that the top plate labyrinth 34 and theclamp ring labyrinth 33 are aligned. The top plate 2 can then be pressedtoward the compression hook 15 to compress the upper portion of theflexible member 10. Employing an adhesive between the clamp ringlabyrinth 33 and the top plate labyrinth 34 is one method of affixingthe clamp ring 5 and the top plate 2 in a position that compresses theupper portion of the flexible member 10 between the top plate 2 and thecompression hook 15.

FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment of the invention includes a top plate 2, an external snapring 41 and an external flexible member 38 which is adapted to mate withan external mounting protrusion 39 of the top plate 2. This embodimentof the invention also includes the piston 4 as was used in theconventional state of the art air spring 1. An upper portion of theexternal flexible member 47 includes a relatively non-extensible bead37. The upper portion of the external flexible member 47 extends fromthe upper end of the external flexible member 48 to no more than 25%along the length of the external flexible member 38 from the upper endof the external flexible member 48. The relatively non-extensible bead37 prevents expansion of the upper end of the external flexible member48 due to internal pressure. The relatively non-extensible bead 37 is atleast one continuous winding of wire, preferably steel. Theconfiguration of the relatively non-extensible bead 37 may vary as isconventionally known. The external flexible member 38 is preferablycomprised of at least 3 plies: an outer elastomeric ply 56, at least onereinforcing ply 49 formed of elastomeric embedded reinforcing cords, andan inner elastomeric ply 55.

The external flexible member 38 is adapted to fit around the supportwall 51 of the top plate 2. The compression of the support wall 51against the upper portion of the upper end of the external flexiblemember 48 creates an air tight seal. The top plate 2 includes anexternal snap ring groove 40 which is adapted to accommodate theexternal snap ring 41. The external snap ring 41 is adapted to fitpartially within the external snap ring groove 40.

Assembly of the external snap ring air spring 36 of this embodiment ofthe invention is accomplished by positioning the upper portion of theflexible member 48 over the mounting protrusion 39. The external snapring 41 is then placed into the external snap ring groove 40 to retainthe external flexible member 38. In the embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 9 the external snap ring 41 includes a reinforcingrib 61 to increase the rigidity and strength of the external snap ring41 and its ability to reliable hold the external flexible member 38 inplace. In this embodiment of the invention the reinforcing rib 61extends upwardly from the base of the external snap ring 62 to form atrough 63 which is defined by the top plate 2, the base of the externalsnap ring 62, and the reinforcing rib 61. In still another embodiment ofthe invention as illustrated in FIG. 10 the external snap ring 62 has areinforcing rib 64 which mounts flush to the top plate 2 without forminga trough.

FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. Thisembodiment of the invention includes a top plate 2, an upper retainingring 46 and the external flexible member 38 which is adapted to matewith an external mounting protrusion 39 of the top plate 2. Thisembodiment of the invention also includes the piston 4 as was used inthe conventional state of the art air spring 1. An upper portion of theexternal flexible member 47 includes a relatively non-extensible bead37. The upper portion of the external flexible member 47 extends fromthe upper end of the external flexible member 48 to no more than 25%along the length of the external flexible member 38 from the upper endof the external flexible member 48. The relatively non-extensible bead37 prevents expansion of the upper end of the external flexible member48 due to internal pressure. The relatively non-extensible bead 37 is atleast one continuous winding of wire, preferably steel. Theconfiguration of the relatively non-extensible bead 37 may vary as isconventionally known.

The external flexible member 38 is adapted to fit around the outerexternal wall 52 of the top plate 2. The compression of the mountingprotrusion 39 against the upper portion of the external flexible member47 creates an air tight seal. The top plate 2 includes an upperretaining ring groove 43 which is adapted to accommodate the upperretaining ring 46. The upper retaining ring 41 is adapted to fitpartially within the upper retaining ring groove 43.

Assembly of the upper retaining ring air spring 42 of this embodiment ofthe invention is accomplished by positioning the upper portion of theflexible member 10 over the mounting protrusion 39. An adhesive mayoptionally be placed around either the inner ring 44 of the upperretaining ring 46, in the upper retaining ring groove 43 or both. Theupper retaining ring 46 is then placed into the upper retaining ringgroove 43 to retain the external flexible member 38.

The structural components of the present invention (top plate 2, theclamp ring 5, the snap ring 6, the locking ring 25, the retaining ring28, the external snap ring 41, and the upper retaining ring 46) mayconsist of metallic or polymeric materials. The structural components ofthe present invention may consist of ferrous or non-ferrous metalsincluding steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, zinc and castiron. The structural components of the present invention which consistof metallic materials may be coated for increased corrosion resistance.Because all of the embodiments of the present invention, except for theclamp ring 5 of the deformed ring air spring 18, are formed in theirfinal structure before assembly of the components; the structuralcomponents of the present invention do not have the issue of damage tothe anti-corrosive coating. The anti-corrosive coating may include zinccoating, oxide coating, paint, powder coating or any other coating knownin the art.

The structural components of the present invention will preferably beinjection molded from a resilient polymeric material, such as athermoplastic and particularly fiber filled thermoplastics. Forinstance, the polymeric material utilized can be a polycarbonate, apolyester, a polyolefin, or a polyamide. Some representative examples ofpolyolefins that can be used include fiber filled low densitypolyethylene, fiber filled linear low density polyethylene, fiber filledhigh density polyethylene, and fiber filled polypropylene. Somerepresentative examples of polyesters that can be used includepolyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate copolymerscontaining up to about 5 weight percent isophthalic acid, andpolyethylene napthalate. The resilient material will more preferably bea fiber filled polyamide. The fiber will preferably be glass fibers andwill typically be loaded at a level of 15 to 50 weight percent. Thefiber will preferably be loaded at a level of 25 to 40 weight percent.The fiber will more preferably be loaded at a level of 30 to 35 weightpercent. Some representative examples of polyamides that can be utilizedinclude nylon-6, nylon-11, nylon-12, nylon-6,6, nylon-4,6, nylon-6,10,and nylon-6,12. Such nylon materials will preferably be filled with aglass fiber. Highly preferred materials include nylon-6,6 which isfilled with long glass fibers (commercially available as CELSTRAN), andshort fiber reinforced thermoplastic (commercially available as ZYTEL).In any case, the tensile strength of the material should be within therange of 1965 to 3165 kg/cm² (28,000 to 45,000 psi). It will preferablyalso have a flex strength in the range of 2810 to 4220 kg/cm² (40,000 to60,000 psi) and notched izod strength of 0.117-0.703 N-m/mm (2.0 to 12.0ft-lb/in).

Variations in the present invention are possible in light of thedescription of it provided herein. While certain representativeembodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustratingthe subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this artthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the scope of the subject invention. It is, therefore, tobe understood that changes can be made in the particular embodimentsdescribed which will be within the fully intended scope of the inventionas defined by the following appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An air spring comprising: a piston; a top plate;a retaining ring; and a flexible member affixed to the piston and thetop plate, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible memberdefine a pressurizable chamber, wherein the retaining ring affixes anupper portion of the flexible member to the top plate and holds theflexible member in air-tight contact with the top plate, wherein theflexible member has a side external to the pressurizable chamber and aside internal to the pressurizable chamber, wherein the top plate isaffixed to the side of the flexible member that is internal to thepressurizable chamber, wherein the upper portion of the flexible memberthat is affixed to the top plate is closer to the piston than theretaining ring is to the piston, wherein the top plate forms, by itself,a retaining ring groove, wherein the top plate is monolithic, andwherein the retaining ring is adapted to fit at least partially withinthe retaining ring groove.
 2. The air spring of claim 1, wherein theretaining ring is an upper retaining ring, wherein the upper retainingring includes an inner ring which fits at least partially within theretaining ring groove.
 3. The air spring of claim 2, wherein theflexible member is nested in between the upper retaining ring and amounting protrusion of the top plate, and wherein the inner ring isnested within the retaining ring groove.
 4. The air spring of claim 3,wherein the inner ring is affixed in the retaining ring groove.
 5. Theair spring as specified in claim 4, wherein the inner ring is affixed inthe retaining ring groove with an adhesive.
 6. The air spring of claim1, wherein the upper portion of the flexible member includes a bead toprevent expansion of an upper end of the flexible member.
 7. The airspring of claim 6, wherein the bead is a continuous winding of wire. 8.An air spring comprising: a piston; a top plate; a snap ring; and aflexible member affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein theflexible member comprises an upper portion, wherein the upper portionoriginates at an upper end of the flexible member and terminates at alength that extends no more than 25% of a total length of the flexiblemember, wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member definea pressurizable chamber, wherein the snap ring affixes the upper end ofthe flexible member and the upper portion of the flexible member to thetop plate, and wherein the snap ring holds the flexible member inair-tight contact with the top plate, wherein the top plate is affixedto the snap ring, wherein the flexible member is affixed between thesnap ring and the top plate, wherein the top plate includes a snap ringgroove and a mounting protrusion, wherein the flexible member is fixedbetween the snap ring and the mounting protrusion, wherein the upper endof the flexible member that is affixed to the top plate is closer to thepiston than the snap ring is to the piston, wherein the top plate forms,by itself, the snap ring groove, and wherein the snap ring is adapted tofit at least partially within the snap ring groove, wherein the snapring includes a reinforcing rib adapted to extend upwardly from a baseof the snap ring to form a trough, wherein the trough is defined by thetop plate, the base of the snap ring, and the reinforcing rib.
 9. Theair spring of claim 8, wherein the flexible member is comprised of atleast three plies, and wherein the at least three plies include at leastone of each of: an outer elastomeric ply, a reinforcing ply, and aninner elastomeric ply.
 10. The air spring of claim 8, wherein the upperportion of the flexible member includes a bead to prevent expansion ofthe upper end of the flexible member.
 11. The air spring of claim 10,wherein the bead is a continuous winding of wire.
 12. An air springcomprising: a piston; a top plate; a retaining ring; and a flexiblemember affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein the flexiblemember comprises an upper portion, where the upper portion originates atan upper end of the flexible member and terminates at a length thatextends no more than 25% of a total length of the flexible member,wherein the piston, the top plate and the flexible member define apressurizable chamber, wherein the retaining ring affixes the upper endof the flexible member and the upper portion of the flexible member tothe top plate, and wherein the retaining ring holds the flexible memberin air-tight contact with the top plate, wherein the top plate isaffixed to the retaining ring, wherein the flexible member is affixedbetween the retaining ring and the top plate, wherein the upper end ofthe flexible member that is affixed to the top plate is closer to thepiston than the retaining ring is to the piston, wherein the top plateforms, by itself, a retaining ring groove, wherein the top plate ismonolithic, and wherein the retaining ring is adapted to fit at leastpartially within the retaining ring groove.
 13. The air spring of claim12, wherein the flexible member is comprised of at least three plies,and wherein the at least three plies include at least one of each of: anouter elastomeric ply, a reinforcing ply, and an inner elastomeric ply.14. The air spring of claim 12, wherein the upper portion of theflexible member includes a bead to prevent expansion of the upper end ofthe flexible member.
 15. The air spring of claim 14, wherein the bead isa continuous winding of wire.